Conference article

The Emerging Bio-Economy in Europe: Exploring the Key Governance Challenges

K. McCormick
International Institute for Industrial Environmental Economics (IIIEE) at Lund University, Lund, Sweden

Download articlehttp://dx.doi.org/10.3384/ecp110572316

Published in: World Renewable Energy Congress - Sweden; 8-13 May; 2011; Linköping; Sweden

Linköping Electronic Conference Proceedings 57:5, p. 2316-2322

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Published: 2011-11-03

ISBN: 978-91-7393-070-3

ISSN: 1650-3686 (print), 1650-3740 (online)

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to identify; analyse and discuss the key governance challenges for the emerging Knowledge-Based Bio-Economy (KBBE) in Europe focusing on bioenergy; particularly biofuels for transport and the biorefinery concept. This paper is based on a literature review; discussions with European researchers and practitioners; and questionnaires of bioenergy industry associations. The growing bio-economy and bioenergy in Europe face a host of socio-technical issues that comprise a mix of technological; economic; social; political; environmental; regulatory and cultural aspects. More specifically; this research work highlights three key governance challenges of increasing relevance for the bio-economy; including: the important role of public-private networks; city-regions as drivers for the KBBE; especially through climate governance; and consumer-citizens and NGOs as key players in the development of the bio-economy.

Keywords

Bio-economy; Bioenergy; Governance; Socio-technical; Sustainability

References

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